After the last exam ended, Wen Jiexi waited outside the classroom for a while before a very exhausted Li Lingmeng rushed up to her.
"Ah….I feel like I'm going to die….after that last exam, my head feels so empty…empty and meaningless…." Li Lingmeng wailed as she leaned against Wen Jiexi's shoulder weakly. Her head felt like exploding when walking into the examination room and then immediately felt empty after she walked back out. It seems all the things she had crammed and squeezed in her brain have already been forgotten the moment she walked out.
"So, how well did you do? The test difficulty should be the same as the exams from before. After doing so many similar exercises, it shouldn't be as strenuous as the previous exams." Wen Jiexi asked and patted Li Lingmeng's shoulder. In order to help Li Lingmeng pass and rank high, she had worked hard. She even signed up for an online course to learn tips and tricks on how to memorize things more efficiently. While teaching others, she herself became more familiar with the content and her speed when answering questions was a lot faster than before.
"I think I did okay. At the very least, I answered all the questions but some of my answers I was uncertain of. I guess it will all depend on luck." Li Lingmeng rubbed her nose sheepishly and shrugged.
"Well, at least you feel somewhat confident about the results. I'll talk to the professor and see if we can get our results back early. That way, it'll give us peace of mind so we can wholeheartedly prepare for our next gig." Wen Jiexi grabbed out a small bag of chocolates from her backpack and handed them to Li Lingmeng.
"Eat some sweets to cushion your stomach first and then we'll go eat dinner later."
"Ok."
However, other than overachievers and desperate bookworms, which students would want to know their grades in advance? However this was because although in the eyes of the parents and professors it was a great decision to use test results as a way to hold them accountable, to them, it was extremely troublesome…..to study is troublesome, to wait anxiously for the results that may determine whether they can stay in the entertainment industry was even more troublesome….
And so, Wen Jiexi and Li Lingmeng had no other choice but to lower their heads and ask for an advance on their results. The professor gave them a strange look but agreed in the end and the two let out a sigh in relief.
Half an hour after they left the professor's office, they took a taxi back to the villa and saw a familiar vehicle parked outside.
Ah? Sister Xue has come to visit them!
"Sister Xue, why are you here?" Wen Jiexi took off her shoes as she stepped inside. She saw that Xue Molin had made herself completely at home and was lying lazily on the couch, but had no complaints as an agent like her should be afforded some special privileges.
"Oh, you're back. You guys finished your exams today, right? I've got some stuff for you to look at. I've already looked through some of the jobs offered and so this is the final selection. We can start preparing early for them." Xue Molin waved lazily at the two as they walked in.
"A job? I thought we would have to wait for our grades to come back first before we can line up for another gig." Li Lingmeng asked in confusion.
"Hah, you should know that opportunities will not always wait for you. Jiexi hasn't worked for an entire month, she hasn't participated in events, movies, or even filmed a small-time advertisement during this entire period." Xue Molin rolled her eyes impatiently and took out a few files from her bag.
"Since Jiexi is only a newcomer right now, we must deepen the public's impression of her. Unless she participates in another movie or film, it will be difficult for this current buzz around her to last. Oh, by the way, today is your crew's final press conference. I believe that the first episode will come out two days from now, that is, the day after tomorrow. There are a total of 60 episodes in your Xianxia drama so the broadcast time should last about another two months. And because of the previous incident, Xingle allowed this show to play during the prime time slots. Obviously, it will also be streamed live on Xingle's website so you can check it out online later if you have time."
"Wow, they're broadcasting it already? But I thought Goddess Su's drama just launched not too long ago. Won't the collision of these two big films affect our drama negatively?" Li Lingmeng scratched her head and asked. Although Goddess Su's drama is bound to be amazing, it might harm Little Xi's drama.
"Don't worry, they won't let the two dramas conflict with each other. They deliberately staggered the times so the collision impact should be small." Xue Molin said with a shrug.
"Since this drama is going to be broadcast on television for a long time, what should we do next? Take on another drama?" Wen Jiexi asked.
"Well….I have no objections if that's what you want to do. As a newcomer, for you to have received such a good role like the Right Protector will definitely help you get better job offers. Unfortunately, a newcomer is still just a newcomer. So as your agent, I must inform you that even though you got a good role, you won't suddenly have a horde of diehard fans like other famous stars. You must make your image more distinctive and allow your fans to understand you better. Of course, this can be slowly developed through taking on more roles and participating in more films. I have no complaints if you do this, but I personally suggest you pick up a variety show first and gain some popularity." Xue Molin placed two stacks of papers on the table. After five to six minutes of perusal, one stack seemed to be a script for a drama and the other was information on a variety show. Wen Jiexi could choose either one.
"I'll listen to Sister Xue then and choose the variety show." Wen Jiexi placed her bets on Xue Molin's eyesight and experience as the agent has been in the industry for 10 years longer than her.
"Haha, very good." Xue Molin nodded in satisfaction and stuffed the script back into her bag. Some newcomers become arrogant and proud after one success, but Wen Jiexi was not this kind of person. Just based on Wen Jiexi's hard-working and sincere personality, Xue Molin was willing to vouch and fight for the girl so that Wen Jiexi could climb faster into the ranks of famous stars.
Xue Molin pointed at the remaining papers,
"These are three well-known variety shows. They're famous and popular and you're guaranteed good ratings. This one is a new variety show, if you choose this one, you will be the first batch of artists to appear. Lastly, there is this other variety of show that is relatively new and has gotten a good response after only a few episodes."
A variety show…the variety show Wen Jiexi watched before was also one of the well-known ones and its content was always entertaining to watch but…..Wen Jiexi skipped over the new variety show, she would not consider that one for now. Her sights landed on the last one, the variety shows that have only filmed a couple of episodes. The show's name is "A Hundred Strange Costumes" and that name alone made people feel curious. The show's special feature was that each batch of artists will be assigned a theme and then participants will have to draw lots to select the costumes they must wear from beginning to the end of the show.
For example, the first category was 'flight staff' and the general theme of the costumes was flight attendant, pilot, etc. Regardless of if the costume is supposed to be for a male or woman, you have to put on what you got. The funniest part was when a male actor drew the female flight attendant costume and had to wear a skirt. He even put on a wig and applied lipstick onto his face. Towards this strange scene, the audience found it funny and didn't care nor feel it was wrong for a male to wear a women's clothing. With how open today's society was, it was ok to sacrifice your 'morals' for laughs and giggles.
Thus, because of this open attitude, the male star actually became quite popular for a while. Of course, the key point of the show was not just wearing a costume.
This variety show is not like the well-known and older ones. While the older shows usually only filmed for a day and then broadcast one episode a week, this show films for a whole week. They edit out the dull moments and then make a compilation of the best parts for the audience to see. Not only does it show a more real and interesting side of the actors, the games the artists play are also very novel and unprecedented.
Yet, the most important thing about this program was that they had the ability to get bigshots to participate. Usually, it was they had two mystery guest stars of any gender appear for each new batch of artists. Almost everyone would be familiar with the mysterious guest stars as they tended to be either famous movie stars, sensational singers, or even celebrities like CEOs that have appeared in important magazines. And even though it was relatively new, this show received feedback that was in no way worse than the older and more well-known ones.
"I think this one is good." Wen Jiexi said, shaking the paper in her hand.
"Huh? Are you sure you don't want to take another look at these well-known ones?" Xue Molin raised an eyebrow.
"I think this one will be more suitable for me." Wen Jiexi waved her hand. Although she has only watched a few variety shows, she has discovered that this older variety shows all have a similar character. And that was the screen time for each actor. The differential treatment was quite obvious with the camera shots and screen times as they treated newcomers and old stars with no reputation rather harshly by giving them little to no camera time. Popular stars, on the other hand, received the majority of the screen time. There was nothing wrong with this but even the games and punishments caused the newcomers to suffer. Although outsiders may think this is interesting, Wen Jiexi did not want to experience this treatment.
"Not bad, not bad. You have good eyesight. This variety show is the first and only one our company has produced thus far." Xue Molin gave Wen Jiexi a thumbs up.
"Huh? Doesn't Xingle have a lot of variety shows? I thought each of the three big companies was in charge of one of these." Li Lingmeng pointed at the well-known variety shows. She had thought each of the big three owned one of the shows but didn't expect Xingle would only have one new variety show instead.
"Although we are an entertainment company, our focus 'talentos' are a little poor. For example, when we compare with the other companies, we focus heavily on singing and acting, Guanghua is a little more complicated as they do a little bit of everything, and Shangri focuses heavier on variety shows and dramas. So out of these three variety shows, one is owned by Guanghua, and the other two are owned by Shangri. As for why our company decided to start one now…well the executives made the decision. They said that the variety shows are becoming more old-fashioned nowadays and that we only need to spend a little more money to plan a new and exciting variety show. The President thought the investment is worth a try and agreed. At the same time, he thought this was a great opportunity for our artists to shine and participate in variety shows without having to suffer under supercilious behavior." Xue Molin explained.
"Supercilious behavior?" Wen Jiexi grabbed some snacks from the cabinet and placed them on the table as she opened a pack of spicy chips.
"Most of the stars who want to participate in variety shows want to become popular. These are usually newcomers. However, Guanghua and Shangri will not give you special treatment just because you are from Xingle. Therefore, these newcomers will almost never get much screen time even if they are chosen. Guanghua and Shangri are having a hard time trying to boost up their own artists, where do they have time to care about artists from another company?" Xue Molin took the papers from Wen Jiexi's hand.
"As this is our own variety show, we naturally base our selection on our artist first. Unless there aren't enough people, artists from other companies will rarely be hired. But, the selection will still be strict and you will be chosen based on how popular you are. The details are then given to those who are qualified and then a final screening is carried out. However, as long as Jiexi wants it, I can help you compete for a spot. It just so happened that your drama is about to start, of course, your ratings will depend on how the audience will react, but if the audience reacts positively then it will be a big help in boosting your chances of getting chosen."
"Then I will leave the rest to Sister Xue." Wen Jiexi nodded.
"If all else fails, I will accept the offer for the drama instead."
"Ok, I understand. I will leave this script behind and if the variety show doesn't choose you then we will slowly develop you for this drama's audition instead. Your role this time won't be as selective so there is no need to hurry." Xue Molin gave her the script and then gave her a hard drive.
"This hard drive contains the first three batches of episodes of this variety show. You can watch it to prepare. Although the games are different each time, make sure to take some notes."
"Thanks, Sister Xue."
"Alright, I'm leaving then. Please wait for the good news~~" Xue Molin strode out the door,
"Oh, right, the show will not announce who the mysterious guest stars will be in order to maintain suspense. So you will only know who it is after you get chosen and start filming. Look forward to it, maybe it will be someone you know~~"
Bang….the door closed.
Why did they have a sinking feeling that Sister Xue liked to say the most important things at the last moment?
"Let's prepare some dinner and late-night snacks first! How can one watch a variety show without eating something at the same time! I'll order takeout right away! Pizza, meat skewers, fried dishes, and more! I'll cook up some other snacks too! Little Xi, you connect the hard drive to the TV first! We'll appreciate the show together!" Li Lingmeng said happily and then rushed into the kitchen while holding her phone.
"Is..is it that exciting?" Wen Jiexi stared speechlessly at the Li Lingmeng who had disappeared within seconds. Whatever, let's go put on the variety show first.
For the next two days, other than going to school, the two of them watched variety shows all day and night. How should they put it…the show produced by Xingle was just so good! The games were fun to watch, the clothes and costumes were exquisite, and the editing/special effects were done very well. After watching it, Wen Jiexi can confidently say that it was much better than those old well-known variety shows. On the whole, the new gameplay and styles were enjoyable and the actors did not get biased treatment due to fame.
Today was the premiere of "The Immortal Meets The Demon"and lots of people tuned in to watch despite it being the first showing. There were lots of anti-fans who clung to the previous scandal and scolded them for actually going through with the drama but was slammed back by fans.
Anyhow, before it even began, the drama was embroiled in an explosive amount of discussions. However, Sister Xue didn't seem to be worried as she leaned back and crossed her legs as she watched the variety shows with them.
"Don't worry about all that. The more fierce the speculation and discussion, the higher our ratings will be. Unfortunately for them, but we won't even look at their insults and curses. In the end, both anti-fans and regular fans will watch the drama and we'll be the ones making more money in the end."
"Oh…" Wen Jiexi nodded. Well, it seems that no matter what happened in the entertainment circle, it was all just routine to Xingle.
"When the broadcast starts, you should make a mention on your social media and you'll be fine. I think you two are probably fascinated by variety shows right now and probably don't want to watch your own dramas." Xue Molin teased Wen Jiexi.
"This…I've already seen the drama when it was being filmed so there isn't any need to rewatch…" Wen Jiexi rubbed her nose and smiled dryly.
"Anyways, all we need to do is help her manage her Weibo-hahaha! The man is actually wearing a bikini! My god! Hahaha! How poisonous!" Li Lingmeng's lips curled up and laughed wildly at the male artist on screen who was crying as he held up a lottery ticket in her hand. She slammed on the table a few times in excitement.
"Hey, hey, don't get so worked up. You're going to flip the table over at this rate." Wen Jiexi helplessly moved the juice and snacks away from Li Lingmeng in case the girl decided to throw the table up in her excitement.
"Aiya! But it's just too funny, I can't help it! Pfft-hahaha!" Li Lingmeng didn't even look at Wen Jiexi as she grabbed the grilled chicken wings and laughed out loud again.
"By the way, Sister Xue, I heard that the variety show will start shooting next week so when will the final selection results come out?" Wen Jiexi covered her ears that were being harassed by the demon laughing next to her and approached Xue Molin."
"At the latest, this weekend. You'll also know where the shooting location will be when you're selected. As long as you arrive before the shooting begins, you should be fine. So that's another five days or so? But don't worry, haven't I said it already? You must be calm at all times. If you can't get it, then forget it and we'll go for the next one. Anyways, what belongs to you will naturally be yours. Since the results aren't out yet, that means they're still deciding. This kind of thing needs at least a few days of consideration." Xue Molin patted Wen Jiexi's head and then looked at her hand in surprise at how soft Wen Jiexi's hair was. She finally understood why Su Chenyu liked patting Wen Jiexi's head so much. The touch was soft and most importantly the person obediently let you touch it. It feels so comfortable to pat it….like petting a dog...
"I understand." Wen Jiexi nodded. She understood that asking any more questions was just like bashing one's head against a brick wall at this point, wasting time on an unsolvable problem. She took a deep breath and turned her attention back to the variety show instead.
The professor handed them back the results within three days but the ranking was still unknown as they were still finishing grading the papers for everyone else. The professor sought them out first and handed them back the results first.
"Jiexi, how did you do? I did a lot better than before, my total score will be higher by at least 10%!" Li Lingmeng said happily as she looked at her results. There were about 100 people in their department and except for the top five, most of their classmates retained the same ranking but now Li Lingmeng doesn't know where she will fall under.
"Not bad, the performance was about the same as last time." Wen Jiexi said with a chuckle.
"Then that means we'll be fine!" Li Lingmeng kissed her paper a few more times. Although this score may not be in the top ten, it was at least the best she had ever gotten.
A day later, the ranking came out and Wen Jiexi only advanced one space up to second place while Li Lingmeng ranked tenth and was even praised by the teacher for improving so much. Li Lingmeng had smiled so big that her smile covered almost half of her face.
The two sent back screenshots of their scores to their parents and then called in to report the good news.
"Mom, I sent the results over to you by phone."
"Huh? So fast, did you have to beg the professor? You must've been really anxious then." Tan Yashi teased her daughter.
"I was…just really nervous! I wouldn't be able to relax and do my next job well if I didn't know." Wen Jiexi pouted, pretending to complain a little.
"Hahaha, Little Xi is the best, Mom knew you would definitely be able to do it!" Tan Yashi laughed giddy at her daughter's cute tempter and at the same time looked arrogantly at the two men beside her. See, Little Xi treats me differently!
Wen Shan and Wen Linshu: It was a mistake for us to spend so much time at work! It's all because of those stupid company parties! QAQ!
The father and son pair can only look on as their wife/mother and dear daughter/sister talked sweetly with each other as they bit on their handkerchiefs in resentment! Wuwuwuwuwu!
About five episodes of "The Immortal Meets The Demon"had been broadcasted and although there was some hate, most of the reviews were full of praise. Wen Jiexi's role appeared quite early on, around the third episode, and had the first battle screen in the entire drama, So not only was there any comments on the website praising her, but even Wen Jiexi's Weibo blew up,
Comment #1: Little Sheeps' fighting skills are so good! Really makes one exclaim in surprise!
Comment #2: She can fight, she can eat, she looks soft and cute, but her martial art skills are the best! Where can I find cute sheep like this? Little Sheep, please come home with this big sister~ (Holding a wolf tail behind.jpg)
Comment #3: Go away, you pervert! Little Sheep is mine, go jump off a cliff you bunch of big-tailed wolves!!
Comment #4: Heh, this is merely a 'flowery of fists with fancy footwork', you can do a better job with special effects editing! You say these are good skills, then one should just wave their fists and then everyone can become a martial arts master. [1]
Comment #5: Where did this idiot come from? Have you never seen Little Sheep judo flip someone before? If you have the guts, then you try it! Stop standing there all crooked and cowardly, it probably hurts to speak, doesn't it?
Although there were still some anti-fans, Little Xi's fans were also very strong and slammed back on the hateful trolls. They also took down many nasty comments by overflowing the feed with comments about how soft and cute she was and how much they wanted to take her away.
However, Wen Jiexi believed she was very domineering and cool, she was not a little sheep at all! She wanted to protest, she wanted to fight, to show her domineering side in the variety shows (if she can)!
After receiving good grades on her midterms and a good response to her acting, Wen Jiexi was in high spirits. She could finally breathe a sigh of relief and feel happy for her first successful step into the entertainment circle. But, she was not proud just yet. Her goal was to reach Su Chenyuu, but reaching Su Chenyu's heights was a little too difficult for a goal. She only wanted to reach high enough to be able to meet her more often and she would be content. Furthermore, Wen Jiexi's good fortune continued to bring good things.
"Congratulations, Jiexi, you're one of the eight participants that was selected." Xue Molin patted Wen Jiexi's shoulder and expressed her congratulations.
"Really?! But for the variety show, will Sister Xue and Little Meng come with?" Wen Jiexi cheered happily but then looked hesitantly at Xue Molin and Li Lingmeng. She had never been on a variety show before and she didn't know if she could have contact with her agent and assistant during the 24/7 filming. Would she possibly have to go by herself?
"Ai, how can people actually follow along for 24 hours a day? Don't they have to sleep too? What if your period came? Do you really think that they'll film your assistant buying you tampons and then handing it to you? Of course not. So, don't worry, we'll be going with you." Xue Molin patted Wen Jiexi's head. She wondered if Wen Jiexi's brain turned silly from all the happy news.
"Oh, and on the day of the gathering, Old Wang will drive us in the company's car. I already informed him of the location. Also, the program told us we had to follow one requirement and that is…. participants cannot bring anything except for themselves."
"Huh? We aren't bringing any clothes or luggage?" Wen Jiexi asked in confusion.
"That's right! Even if you tried to bring something, it would be confiscated!" Xue Molin smiled, her eyes gleaming with a smug look.
Although they were supposed to gather at eight in the morning and the distance was not far enough to take a plane, it was still three hours away by car. And so the three people got up at four in the morning (for the sake of traveling, Xue Molin lived in her assigned villa for the night) and headed towards their destination with tired eyes but excited hearts.
T/N:
[1] flowery of fists with fancy footwork: an idiom for something highly embellished and ineffectual or 'all show but no go'